At this rate, there are going to be no Coronation Street characters left.

Hot on the heels of the announced breaks of Alison King (Carla), Les Dennis (Michael), Brooke Vincent (Sophie), Eileen Derbyshire (Emily) and David Neilson (Roy) and the departure of Ryan Thomas (Jason), another cast member has been confirmed as taking time away from the cobbles.

Oliver Farnworth, who plays Andy in the soap, is to take a seven week hiatus from the soap to join on screen ‘dad’ Les Dennis in a production of Alan Bleasdale’s Down The Dock Road.

A spokesperson for Coronation Street confirmed to Metro.co.uk that Andy’s absence will be explained on screen, adding that his departure storyline won’t be linked to Michael’s.

(Picture: ITV)Emmerdale producer Kate Oates is set to take over the helm of Coronation Street over the next few months, replacing current boss Stuart Blackburn. A new producer often heralds cast changes so it remains to be seen whether Andy’s temporary departure will be the last for a while or whether there could be more exits to come.